Outdoor Educators Institute

Applications for OEI are now closed

Outdoor Educators Institute
 Three people sitting in the woods near a green tent. One is holding a map and another a mug of tea or coffee while the person in the middle smiles.

The Outdoor Educators Institute (OEI) advances racial equity in the outdoors through a free training program for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color.

Participants gain outdoor education skills, experience culturally relevant facilitation, and explore opportunities in the outdoor sector in collaboration with local partner organizations and leaders of color who are actively shifting the outdoor field to focus on environmental justice and racial equity.

We envision a just world in which Black, Indigenous, and People of Color have the resources, community, and access to thrive safely and joyfully as outdoor educators and leaders.

“OEI has reminded me that we all belong here. The outdoors needs our voices and youth that look like us to remember our people and to steward our natural environment.” – OEI Participant

The Program

Partners and Training

Partners and instructors are carefully and intentionally selected with those who prioritize environmental justice and racial equity.

Please use the resources linked below to learn about some of OEI California's partners. A group of people with backpacks walking through green lush woods.

Bay Area and Central Valley Partners

Bay Area Partners

Central Valley Partners

Program Dates
(Please note, dates/times are subject to change)

1.5 hr. virtual meeting leading up to our in-person gathering:
Central Valley – Saturday, March 8
Bay Area – Saturday, March 15 

In-person kickoff: 
Central Valley – Sunday, March 9
Bay Area – Sunday, March 16		Bay Area In-person dates:

March 16
March 29 – 30
April 12
April 26 – 27
May 10
May 24 – 26
June 7
June 21-22
Central Valley: In-person dates:

March 9
March 22 – 23
April 5
April 26 – 27
May 3
May 23 – 25
June 7
June 21 – 22
Virtual Evening Meetings: 

On weeks where not leading up to program weekend, there is a virtual 1-1.5 hour evening meeting to focus on professional development 

On weeks leading up to a weekend programming, there is a virtual 1-hour evening meeting for partner organizations to brief for the weekend

The specific time for this meeting is determined by accepted applicants’ availability.

In-person Culmination Retreat: June 22-23
End: Week of June 23rd with mandatory virtual OEI Graduation

Additional Details

Training includes some in-person overnight camping and lodging. OEI is a significant time and energy commitment.

Program certification and completion consist of attending 80% of the program, including in-person training on weekends and bi-weekly virtual evening meetings.

Justice Outside is dedicating significant financial resources to provide the program to participants.

During the program, we provide tasty and healthy snacks and meals
We provide transportation support and coordination including a one-time $100 stipend per participant.

Justice Outside is compensating instructors, facilitators, and partners to provide the program.

Justice Outside will also provide COVID-19 tests, gear rentals, and training spaces including covering lodging and camping fees, and more.

The Participants

Outdoor Educators Institute Black, Indigenous, and People of Color
Priority is given to young adults within the age range of 18 to 26 years old
Strong desire to gain new skills in the outdoors and outdoor education sector

New Layer

Any Questions?
Our Team is here to help.

OEI Bay Area Coordinator Laura Hernandez (they/them | elle)
[email protected]

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